Every October, you will see an abundance of information about breast cancer. Awareness surrounding breast cancer is incredibly important as early detection. Take this month as an opportunity to spread breast cancer awareness to encourage more people who are fighting the disease.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. According to The American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, in its localized stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%.
Early Detection
If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance of survival. Many healthcare providers state that early screenings for breast cancer save thousands of lives each year, and many more could be saved if more women were screened.
The risk of women developing breast cancer in their 20s is low and gradually increases with age. No matter what age you are, women should report any changes in their breasts to their healthcare provider.
Know your risk
- Learn your family's health history.
- Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer.
Breast cancer screening
The signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. It is important to know how your breasts normally look and feel.
- Have a clinical breast exam every year starting at age 20.
- All women should have a risk assessment at age 30 to see if screening earlier than 40 is needed.
- Women at average breast cancer risk should begin screening at the age of 40.
- Women with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer may also benefit from an MRI.
While mammograms are the best screening tool we currently have, they are not perfect. When clinical exams, self-exams, and mammograms are combined, your chances of finding breast cancer are even greater and may also save your life.
Steps for a breast self-exam
Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider if you need help learning how to self-examine your breasts.
- Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder
- Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check your right breast
- Press using light to medium pressure in a circular motion without lifting your fingers off the skin
- Follow an up-and-down motion
- Feel for changes above and below your breast and in your armpit
- Repeat on your left breast using your right hand
Know what is normal for you
See your healthcare provider if you see any of the following breast changes:
- Lumps, hard knots, or thickening inside the breast or underarm
- An itchy or scaly nipple
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
- Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast
- Change in the size of the breast
- New pain in one spot that does not go away
Common myths about breast cancer
- MYTH: Young women do not need to worry about breast cancer.
- MYTH: Women with no family history of breast cancer have no risk of developing breast cancer.
- MYTH: Only women can get breast cancer.
- MYTH: Lumps are the only sign of breast cancer.
- MYTH: If I have a normal mammogram screening report, I don't need a mammogram next year.
- MYTH: Silicone breast implants increase the chance of developing breast cancer.
It happens to men, too
Although it is rare, men can get breast cancer too. About 1 in every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States is found in a man. The symptoms are the same for a man as they are for a woman.
How to lower the risk of breast cancer
Take action
This month and every month, there are many ways you can join the fight to save lives against breast cancer. For the month of October, Sol Nutrition is celebrating women in the fight against breast cancer and honoring 50% off 3 of our women's products. Monthly Mood at Sol Nutrition supports balanced hormones and a calm mood. This monthly herbal supplement will help rebalance monthly mood swings caused by your hormones. This woman's mood remedy will help calm you down, deal with stress, and improve your quality of sleep. This herbal supplement pairs well with Ease The Flow for menstrual cramps. Menstrual cycles can be incredibly painful and even debilitating. Ease The Flow at Sol Nutrition will help reduce the common side effects of monthly menstruation. This herbal formula helps ease menstrual symptoms such as: breast discomfort, mood swings, nausea, headaches, puffiness, irritability, hormonal acne, cramps, & bloating.* The last product that we are highlighting this month is Yeast Away. Yeast Away at Sol Nutrition encourages healthy pH levels and flora which supports your body in reducing burning sensations, redness, and irritation. This blend is ideal for those with excessive amounts of yeast in their body.
Takeaway
Breast Cancer. Just two words that can bring a wave of fear and uncertainty into anyone's life. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to shine a light on early detection and knowledge that can make all the difference in the fight against breast cancer. Knowledge is power and that is why Breast Cancer Awareness Month is so important. Take the time this Breast Cancer Awareness Month to give yourself a little extra love. Learn the signs of breast cancer and how you can reduce your risk so that you can live a happy and healthy life.
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